#FinnishCrazyGames: Get Toasty in Finnish Sauna

The Finns say “The human body is never as beautiful as 30 minutes after a sauna.”

If you're curious to see what the fuss is about, we’re once again opening our sauna to the general public as part of the Finnish Crazy Games. The sauna will also be open for inspection if you just want to look.

Experiences in the Embassy’s luxurious sauna will be held in conjunction with ASBA, the Australian Sweat Bathing Association, who will coordinate guided sessions and host general tours. ASBA volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Registration for the guided sauna sessions will be free but limited to the first 60 applicants. Everyone will need to BYO swimmers, towel, and a water bottle. Register at www.finnishcrazygames.com

ASBA is Australia’s most exciting new not-for-profit organisation, and they are trying to create “A New Australian Sauna Culture”. Established in 2016 with a mission to promote health, well-being, and community building, ASBA has already been accepted as Australia’s representative in the International Sauna Association.

The aim of these events is to spread knowledge and love of sauna amongst the Australian population. This is ASBA’s aim too. ASBA is currently seeking Foundation Members for anyone who is interested in supporting the growth of a new Australian sauna culture.

The origins of sauna are a little hazy, but we basically know that Finns have been using saunas, bathing in them and giving birth in them for centuries. Now it's common for families, private companies, governmental institutions and even Finnish embassies to have saunas. It's such a part of the national culture that business meetings can be held in the sauna, as a relaxed meeting place with no hierarchies, allowing for open discussion and idea generation.

To add to its relaxation benefits, it also has many proven health benefits as the sauna increases calorie burning, expels toxins, relieves stress, and kills viruses and bacteria. There have also been studies showing that frequent use puts men less at risk of contracting Alzheimer's, making it one of the healthiest Finnish pastimes there is.

How to sauna?

Usually, you light the sauna stove (kiuas) beforehand so the room has time to warm (usually to about 80 – 100 degrees Celsius). Showers are commonly taken prior to entering the sauna. In the room, there are large ladles in pots full of water, which you throw onto the stove filled with hot stones, thus creating what's known as löyly (pronounced ler-lu) – the wet steam rising from the stones. Once the air is heavy with moisture, you sit back, relax, and enjoy! Finns will also use a branch of birch leaves (vasta) to hit themselves gently in the sauna, as it opens the pores and increases blood circulation.

When the heat gets to a point where it feels uncomfortable, to cool off you can jump into a hole in an ice-covered lake (see video), roll around in the snow, or at the Embassy (which is unfortunately devoid of ice covered lakes), you can take a shower. Then the process starts again, often cycling through two or three times before the sauna-goer decides to undergo a final wash and sit down for a refreshing, often alcoholic, beverage.

The most important thing when taking a sauna is listening to your body. You should stay in the heat as long as you feel comfortable. But if you get your heart rate up and then you cool down several times over, you will leave with a heavenly glow, and you will feel relaxed for the rest of the day.

Finnish Crazy Games is being hosted at the Embassy of Finland to Australia on October 13th 2018 from 10am with the assistance of our major partners KONE, Finnair and Wärtsilä. The event is a fundraiser for Canteen in support of their mission to help youngsters whose lives are impacted by cancer. If you can please donate here. Head on over to our website www.finnishcrazygames.com to learn more about the games and other activities taking place this year.